The government decided to quickly implement tougher driving laws after experiencing almost 1,200 impaired driving accidents in 2015. 39 per cent of drivers involved in these accidents were found to have a Blood Alcohol Concentration lower than 0.08, which is why the province decided to partially target impaired drivers with a BAC of between 0.04 and 0.08.

Some key changes designed to crack down on impaired drivers include:

A new mandatory three day vehicle impounding policy for experienced drivers with a BAC of 0.04 to 0.08 for a first offence;

However, the age increase for the zero tolerance policy seems significant in fighting impaired driving in the province. The government reported that drivers aged 19 to 21, “are involved in significantly more alcohol-related collisions compared to drivers under 19.”

The government is also toughening the law when it comes to distracted driving. Drivers can’t hold or even view their cellphone while driving. The old law prohibited only the use of the device.